Happy New Year!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Making Friends

We moved to a new home and 5 days later had Ellie. I have rarely gotten to church and with the holiday's haven't met many people. Cory and I decided to call some people in the ward and try to get to know them. I met a women at a Relief Society Dinner and her husband is a clone of Cory down to saving money, wearing the same clothes from high school, and possibly a new hunting buddy. (Do we really need 2 of him) Anyways she told me a bunch of people to call. So, I got on the phone and blind called people. We had a good turn out. We had people bring a bag of candy and their family and made ginger bread houses. It was great to have people over and hopefully make some new friends.

Grocery Smarts II

I have had many people ask me about how to do this program. And I wasn't trying to leave anyone hanging. But there are 2 ways and one can only be done by people that live in Utah.
First for anyone. You can go to www.pinchingyourpennies.com
Look up the state you live in and then it will tell you the deals and where. You can see if they have a passport code for you and your state on there for grocery smarts. But where and how to get it I don't know. Sorry! But they grocery smarts gets their info from pinching your pennies. So you have the same information.
Now the one I like that can only be used by Utah people is called www.grocerysmarts.com. I like it because you can print off your list of groceries and deals. You have to have what they call a passport. Everyone in Utah has the same passport. That number is g84ckc . Put that in. Then choose the grocery store you want to go to. You will be surprised to hear me say this but Albertson's has the best deals and thats where I always shop. Follow the instructions that it says on there. It also tells you what coupons to use on what days. If its easier for anyone you are more than welcomed to call me and I will walk you through. Good luck!
My sister in law started a blog about all her stuff she saves. You can find that blog on my obsessions called Savy Saver

Grocery Smarts

My sister-in-law introduced me to this. And now Cory and I are firm believers! THANK YOU CAMI!!Yes you have coupons. But you don't have to clip them until you go to the store. And this program prints out your shopping list for you and tells you what date that the coupons you need comes in. I love this thing! Cory loves to go and do the grocery shopping now just so he can see how much he gets and saves! This isn't the best picture but this is all I got.

4 boxes bisquick pancake mix
3 graham cracker crusts
5 cinnabun cinnamon rolls
10 grands biscuits
4 pkgs Idahoan Instant Potatoes
16 boxes Betty Crocker instant potatoes ( these are so good to!)
2 boxes Kix cereal
9 Cinnamon toast crunch
9 reeses cereal
7 boxes betty crocker bag cookies
6 frostings
4 Nestle chocolate chips
2 dips
1 4 pd pork roast
1 4 pds beef roast

total= 89.00
saved 221.43

Cory went back later last night and got
4-boxes bisquick pancake mix
2-cases kids yoplait yogurt (dora the explorer kind)
12-pkgs vegestable steamers
3-boxes Betty Crocker instant potatoes

he spent a total of $7.00

Reality

I finally got a dose of "tween" reality.
Keller brought home his "sex education" paper yesterday that I have to sign and he was supposed to return it today. Keller if you don't know looses things a lot. We looked around and could not find it. So in a rush for him to get to school I told him to go and I would go to his school and sign a new paper. I was up a lot last night with the baby and Addie. I had decided last night that I was going to go to the grocery store early today after I got the kids to school and then come home and clean the house and unpack the last of the boxes. So, I had sweats and my hair in a pony tail. Keller looked at me and quickly informed me "Don't come to school like that." I said what? He says "well don't come to my classroom. You can go to the office but don't come to my classroom looking like that"
I have to admit that was the first time I felt Keller could be embarrassed of me looking like this!

Christmas Village

Last night for Family Home Evening we went to downtown Ogden to look at the Christmas Village. The boys weren't thrilled at all. But Addie loved it. She had to run from one house to the next and just kept saying "ohh pretty". We saw that they had a Santa there so we decided to see if Addison would go see him. The boys didn't want to do that either. Until they saw he was giving candy. So they went. Keller wouldn't let me take his picture. So, all we have is Preston and Addison with Santa. All in all the boys ended up having more fun than they thought because they saw how excited Addie got when she saw all the "Christmas"!


This is our second take for Preston. He was embarrassed on the first on.

Moments Like This

Cory is big on Christmas. I love it to. But The holidays from Halloween to Christmas come so quick that I want to enjoy all of them. And it seems this year that we just get our Thanksgiving stuff up everyone is putting up Christmas. I usually like to wait until the day after Thanksgiving to put up Christmas. But Cory was really getting excited ( we have been listening to Christmas music since July. We even had a Christmas in July day) And I was informed that it is coming a week earlier this year. Because Thanksgiving is a week later. So, for Family Night we put up Christmas.

There is no organization to it. At least not right now because we don't have a place for everything and we don't know where half our Christmas stuff is because we haven't fully unpacked. But, it is tradition to let the kids decorate however they would like. I must say this year we were pleased. They did pretty well. Other than Addie the 2 year old that has to touch and pull on everything. Everything was finished but.. the Christmas village. And we weren't sure where to put it because we knew Addie would mess it up anyway. We went ahead and put it under the tree. I walked out of the room and Cory came in and said come see this.



What a moment! Very peaceful and sweet. Some of the pictures are to dark. But they meant alot to us!

Twilight Poll

I haven't seen it yet. And I don't know when I will get to. But I'm curious whether you liked the books or not. Did you like the movie? My husband promises to go with me when we go. So, I hope it will be good enough for him to keep his interest. Because he already loathes Edward!

Bite Me

I'm sure just like 99.9% of the women out there are either posting reading or counting down the minutes for this movie. (Except maybe my very intellectual I need to read something with substance, Obama shaking hand sister that starts with a J and ends with an A and has AYNA in between)
It is finally here! And I can't go!
I have been sick. And don't get me wrong that is not something that would have stopped me. But with everything going on I didn't get tickets and its hard to leave my newborn when the movie will be playing right in the middle of her feeding time. So, I have to not be so selfish and just wait. And who knows when that will be because we are finishing our basement and have to paint so that the carpet can come. We hope to have that done this weekend. Then we are going to watch the big "game" well to Cory it's the big game.

Styling Mishaps!

Because Addie and I have been sick and with a new baby. I have been slacking in the hair department. Not that I am very creative with her hairstyles. Or can make her sit that long to do some really cute ones! Addie decided to brush her own hair this morning. This was the result! Sorry she wouldn't stay still to get a good shot.

Sick, Sick, Sick

Well, we have almost all had it now. First it started with Cory the day after I got home with the baby from the hospital then, Addison, now Ellie and I have it. And I feel so bad for these little ones because you can't do anything for them. But suction their nose and then they get really mad. Not only was I up almost all night because of me not feeling good. But Ellie kept coughing and couldn't breath well. We had the humidifier in by her bed. So, I'm sure that helped some. Then Addie was coughing through the night too. I forgot how hard this baby and 2 yr old thing is. Thats whats hard about being a mom. You always take care of everyone sick. Then you get sick and you still have to take care of everyone. Luckily my husband helps me as much as he can. And I am very VERY lucky for that and him!

With all this sickness, Addie has been taking lots of baths and watching lots of movies. Anything to keep her happy and me some rest!

Addie and Dress Up

Addison has been playing fashion "Diva" lately. She changes in all different clothes throughout the day and wants to wear "pretty dresses" as well as showing them off to everyone. Here she decided to put on her swimsuit. I told her it was to cold so she put pants on under the bottom.And of course her Dorothy shoes. Wow.. that made it so much warmer.

Scrub-a-Dub

Today we gave Ellie a bath. Her first one at home. Addison had to help and was right there putting shampoo on her hands and getting her clothes ready. What a fun time. I didn't think Ellie would like it. The nurses at the hospital said she cried when they gave her one. So I was fully expecting that. But as you can see she is very content.

Sneaky

Addison has had a binky and in the mists of trying to move and bring a baby home I have been very bad at taking it away. So, she loves "Wizard of Oz" and we got her some Dorothy shoes that we said was a present from Ellie. And her present to Ellie was her binkies because she is a BIG girl now.
Well any chance Addie can get she wants to "hold" the binky or "play" with the binky. We at first had let her do that. Because I'm sure it is hard to give up especially with all these new changes. And at night it is a comfort to her. She wakes up and wants it. So, we let her hold it and then she would disappear behind couches, cabinets or go in other rooms. And we could her sucking noises. We would call her and she would hurry take it out of her mouth come out with a big smile like she hasn't done anything wrong. I tell you. She is only 2 yrs old and is one heck of a smart cookie! Now does she get the being sneaky from her dad or me? I'd like to think she is getting her smarts from me.

Name

Ok, maybe it was just because we had to come up with a name so quick. But I am going to stay with Ellie. There is to much work involved with changing it. And how many babies actually looks like their name right away? I know that she will grow into it. So, there we go. And .. I was never going to say this is the name because it was the one that was the most popular voted for.

Name Change

Because of how quick we had to decide on the babies name. I am struggling. Is this really the right name. So, I have 24hrs. to decide. Help me!
Does she look like an Ellie Jo or Quincee Jo?
( Jo is staying. It's a family name on both sides and it will be her middle name.)

What's in a Name

Ellie Jo Carter
Born November 4, 2008
11:35 am
6 pds 4 ounces
20 inches



It took us awhile and a coin flip to decide on the name.

Baby Carter

We did it. This morning Tues. Nov. 4th at 11:35 Baby Girl Carter was born. She weighs 6 pds 4 ounces. 20 inches long. Very cute but I'm the mom so I can say that. We weren't sure if today was going to be the day because I have had some "false" labor. We don't have a name set yet. So we will let everyone know that as soon as we decide. But that's the update!! At least I can say we made it in our house for 4 days before she came. Perfect timing or what! Thanks to everyone for all the help!

Small Post, BIG news

This is going to be short and to the point. We have moved into our house. I have no internet right now. So I am taking a second to say HOORAY to me. We are in our house. Messy and disorganized. But we made it in before a baby came. Which is still in.. Hope everyone is doing well!!!

Smile

Doesn't this just make you want to smile!

Trunk or Treat

Last night was trunk or treat. Cory was so good. I haven't been feeling well the last few days so he took the kids got costumes dressed them up and took them to the ward Halloween party. Addie is actually going to be a China Girl and wear her dress her dad got her from Korea. But I guess she saw the princess stuff and had to have that. Keller is at the age that he wants to be "scary" so he is the grim reaper. And Preston who has changed what he wants to be about a billion times ended up choosing a Nija. What fun!

Reading Herself To Sleep

A few weeks ago Addie was having a not so good day. Just one of those grumpy days. We couldn't get her to take a nap even though I know that would have made all the difference. While staying here at her "nana's" house Addie has an unlimited supply of books! Her nana buys them and has tons already here. Addie sat in a corner and helped herself. As long as she was happy I wasn't going to mess with her. But I did notice it was getting a little to quiet. And anyone with a toddler knows what that can mean. I peek over and this is what I see!

She was out cold!

A Big Step for MOM!!

Along with the fun girls weekend. Cory's sister has been trying to get me to cut Addison's hair (she is a hair dresser). She has told me that if I cut Addie's hair it will grow faster and thicker. This was very VERY hard for me. It's my first girl and my baby still. But after talking to several other people and hearing all the same thing I finally agreed. Addie had a blast. She thought she was so beautiful and just kept smiling at herself in the mirror. Cami made the first cuts and decided that they needed to go shorter. So, I had to leave the room. But seeing the finished product she looks so cute!

Don't you agree!

Girl's Fun Weekend!

This weekend was the opening of the Deer Hunt. Well it is a tradition that all the guys go to Strawberry (a lake) and camp for the whole weekend. The girls all got together and went out to my sister in laws house and just chilled the whole time. It was so nice. We watched movies talked laughed (alot of laughing while my sister in law had taken an ambien) and curled ribbon for hair bows. Addison and her cousin Lilly who is 4 months younger had so much fun. They did get to a point that they got tired of each other. Addie and Lilly would want the same toy and Lilly would grab Addie's hair or shirt and just stand there and look at us. While Addie cried and yelled to let go. It was really hard not to laugh. After Addie's hair cut she kept pretending to comb and style Lilly's hair.We have decided it is going to be an annual thing like the Deer hunt.

Tagged Twice!!

I will try to do this.. One is from my sister in law. The other is from my friend(cousin long story).

Tagged * 8 things

T.V. shows I love to watch:

1. Ghost Hunters (especially now that Halloween is close)
2. American Idol
3. Office
4. Trading Spouses
5. Dancing with the Stars
6. Wife Swap
7. I can't think
8. of any more!

8 Favorite Restaurants:

1. P.F. Changs
2. Cheesecake Factory
3.Chick-fa-la
4.Crackle Barrel
5. Guthrie's (from back home in Florida)
6. The Loop (another Florida Special)
7.Red Lobster
8. Olive Garden

8 things that happened yesterday:

1. Got the kids ready for school
2. Made a few bows
3. Watched Annie with Addison
4. Did laundry
5. Made potato bar for dinner
6. Watched Ghost Hunters
7. Helped "Nana" cut out ghosts for story time
8. Read my book "the Glass Castle"

8 things I am looking forward to:

1. closing on our house
2. moving in our house
3. having the baby
4. Not getting kicked in the ribs anymore
5. Decorating our house
6. Not feeling so stressed
7. Cory not being so stressed (like that will ever happen)
8. The holiday's (I love Thanksgiving and Christmas)

8 things I love about fall:

1. Changing of the leaves
2. snuggling under warm blankets with the cold outside
3. having soups and stews and chili's ( I love soup )
4. Mint Chocolate cocoa
5. Buying presents and getting ready for Christmas (but not until after Halloween)
6. Watching the kids play in the snow
7.Halloween candy that you never see until now!
8. NO YARD WORK!

8 things on my wish list:

1. Be in my House (can I not stress this enough!)
2.Celestial Kingdom! But we all know I'm going there anyway.
3. AGAIN.. Cory to be stress free for one day!
4. Not have migraines I hate those suckers!
5. Not worry about money and just spend
6.Kids would listen the first time I say.
7. Have a maid
8. Be more creative


Tag: Jayna, Sarah and Lindsey

Movin' On Up.. To the West Side!

I didn't think this day would come. Well, it hasn't officially yet. But, we have decided on our house. And we have a close on the 24th. But we may push it back a week or so, so that they can finish the basement. It's a brand new home in Hooper.(Layton/Syracuse area for you guys that don't know where Hooper is)
The school is almost directly behind our house and again there are 27 kids Preston's age just in the primary for 8 yr olds. They have to have 3 classes! This right now is the only picture that I have. But I will get more later. Thank you for all your prayers and help.

Updates on our Family!

Names: As you all can see. Leighton won on the name game. But Cory has informed me that he does not like that name. Which stinks because I think its so cute. And I was even thinking about doing Leighton Capri. But now.. Ugghh. I can't.. So another possible name game in the future. Or you guys can always give me suggestions that I haven't thought of.

Pregnancy: I don't know if some of you know or not. But I'm not due till the end of November. But I have had a few complications again. Mild Preclampsia, early contractions, and dialated. But we went to the Dr. today( Mon) and got some reassurance he said things are looking good and he feels pretty good about this week. He even gave me a 2 week appointment instead of the 1 week he had me doing before. But he also reminded me that things can change very quickly. But he said as of Friday if I go into labor he won't stop anything. Or even need to give me steroids because I will be far enough along that they don't worry about the baby as much. And they have found the babies tend to be really well and don't need to be in NICU.

House: PLEASE GIVE A CHEER! Boy here we are waiting looking for houses and not finding anything. Then all of a sudden we find 3 we like. We put offers in on all 3. Two of them took our offer at the same price and both have a closing date of 2 weeks. So we have had a big decision to make. We came up with Pros and Cons. We liked one house better, but one lot better than the other. Why does this have to happen! We have to have the final decision tomorrow. We are waiting on a few answers about some things on one of the houses .(if they will include some things we want and at how much) So, that will help us with the final decision. My only thing is I hope that the baby stays in until we at least get into our house.
*** oh yes and get this. Preston is our social butterfly. We found out the house we are leaning toward has 27.. 8 yr old kids in the ward! 19 of them are boys. Will he be in heaven or what.

Hunting: I'm sure your thinking were does that fit in with baby, house and names? Well this is for Cory and the boys. They love to hunt and over UEA ( fall break here in Utah) the guys go hunting. Which will be this Thur, Fri. ( they go Thur-Sund) Well, ha ha.. Cory and my brother in law are trying to get me to go. YEAH RIGHT!
Now I love to camp. We even have the trailer which in my condition now and in the cold makes it so much better. But ....
1. Im up in the mountains far far away from any hospital if something happends this weekend.
2. I will be the only girl. (that means cook for the men)
3. Babysitter of bored boys (because we all know these boys are going to get bored out of their minds looking sitting still and having to be quiet!)

So... Tell me.. Would you want to go either!

Carter's: We are doing well and surviving. It has been cold lately and has even snowed. But our trailer has heat. And the kids have had fun. The boys go to school all day. Addie loves to watch "Annie", Wizard of Oz. and Iron Man( yeah way different contrast) Cory is working hard as always. And constantly feels stress. But is that new?

This is the full update on our family.

Name Game Again

Well, I only had a whopping 16 people vote. And the top names were with
1. Lyla
2. Capri

I don't think I'm dead set yet on either and although Capri is growing on me Cory still thinks its funny. So, We are going to put down a few more names and do another poll. I just like to see what people like. Plus.. if personality has anything to with names. I can tell you right now she is going do be one active little bugger!

Plus.. I would love to have comments on any name suggestions that you guys have. So, lets hear them!

(This time the poll will be on the right hand side of the screen)

*side note. There is a song on my play list called Capri. Its a sweet song about a lady being pregnant and names the baby still in her tummy Capri. Very cute.

Kudos to My Sister in Law

I have to give thumbs up to my sister in law. She always finds the greatest blogs and I get totally hooked. Half of my favorites that are listed on here are from her. But this one is so fun! I have already told some other family members about it and stayed up late the first night reading through all the blogs.
This is totally a fake blog making fun of all us Mormon women. And yes, I am seriously so blessed because I see myself in her blogs and I know someone else has to be going through it also. I love the humor and its great that someone can find the fun in our culture. So, I'm passing it along and letting you that don't know about it to visit. You will have a good laugh for the day!

www.seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com

Opening of Duck Hunt

Saturday was the opening of the Duck Hunt. Keller worked for a week 4 hrs a day of classes to get his hunter safety to be able to go hunting for the first time. Cory took the boys out at 6:00am. They had so much fun. Preston wasn't able to shoot because he had to be 9. But he wanted to go along anyways and see. Don't they look like professionals!